Ched Rick Gatchalian

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Albert Martinez opens up on 'complicated' father role in 'The Lotto Winner'

Ganiel Krishnan

ABS-CBN News

MANILA -- Veteran actor Albert Martinez described his role in the upcoming film The Lotto Winner as “very complicated,” admitting that the character’s journey mirrors real-life struggles many fathers face.The film, produced in collaboration with the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO), goes beyond the fantasy of winning millions, instead focusing on family, responsibility, and emotional sacrifice.“Well, it’s a very complicated character. It was a challenge,” Martinez shared.He explained that the story follows a father determined to position himself as the provider of the family, but at a cost.“It’s a bit close to home because the problems of fathers who go through the journey of taking care of a family and positioning himself as the provider because he’s the father. But then again, you miss out on something very important with the lives of your children or perhaps your wife. So, this is the journey.”<div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/studios/tv/2025/1/10/lavender-fields-jasmin-nadiskubre-ang-pagdukot-kina-camilla-at-lily-episode-95-2208">Albert Martinez signs off as Zandro, reveals biggest test in “Lavender Fields”</a></div>Martinez said the role resonates deeply, portraying a reality many breadwinners experience striving to secure their family’s future while unintentionally sacrificing time and emotional presence.When asked what he would do if he won the lottery in real life, the actor said sharing the blessing would be his priority.“There’s a lot of things you can do when you win. The best thing to do is just, if you can share it with the people who need it, that would be nice,” he said.He then revealed what he called his “ultimate dream.”“My ultimate dream talaga, if I can get like an abandoned building and I can lease it for a long period of time, not too expensive, I’ll convert it into a sleeping area for the people who don’t have homes. So they can go there at 5 p.m., they have dinner, they sleep, and when they wake up in the morning, they have a shower, then they move out. So magkakaroon sila ng shelter.”Martinez added that if he ever hits the jackpot, that would be one of his first projects, though he joked he would need to buy a ticket first.“Pag nanalo ako, I’ll do that. Pero muna, kailangan bumili muna ng ticket,” he said with a laugh.The actor also had nothing but praise for his co-star, Kylie Padilla, describing her as “very professional” and well-suited for her role.“Spot on yung character sa kanya. And pareho kami, it’s close to home. Our character is very close to home.”With its partnership with PCSO and its grounded portrayal of family realities, The Lotto Winner aims to show that while winning the lottery may change one’s financial situation, true wealth lies in compassion, responsibility, and the relationships we nurture.<div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/showbiz/celebrities/2026/1/5/kylie-padilla-recelebrates-new-year-with-her-two-sons-1523">Kylie Padilla ‘recelebrates’ New Year with her two sons</a></div>

Veteran actor Albert Martinez described his role in the upcoming film The Lotto Winner as “very complicated,” admitting that the character’s journey mirrors real-life struggles many fathers face.

Veteran actor Albert Martinez described his role in the upcoming film The Lotto Winner as “very complicated,” admitting that the character’s journey mirrors real-life struggles many fathers face.